Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C,I – Springport) today announced that the state budget agreement will not make cuts to agricultural programs that had previously been planned. Legislative leaders had originally planned to cut important agricultural programs from this year’s budget, but Finch and his colleagues were able to ensure that they were restored.

“Farmers are the backbone of our economy and provide essential products for so many throughout the region. Many farmers have been struggling, and to cut agricultural funding would have been devastating. I’m happy to say that we were able to restore a significant amount of funding for programs important to New York farmers,” said Finch.

The agreed upon budget will restore funding to the following programs:

Farm Viability Institute - $821,000 restored, for a total of $1,221,000;

FarmNet (Farm Family Assistance - $100,000 increase, for a total of $484,000;

Northern NY Agriculture Development - $200,000 increase and full restoration, for a total of $500,000;

Tractor Rollover Prevention (ROPs) - $100,000 restored;

Cornell rabies prevention - $100,000 restored;

Maple Producers - $100,000 restored; and

Cornell Integrated Pest Management Program - $400,000 restored.

Furthermore, the budget will reject a new fee for research and marketing that was to be levied on dairy farmers.